IN a bid to recruit more high-quality teachers for their schools, Hampshire County Council and Isle of Wight Council have joined forces to host two recruitment fairs.

Rising pupil numbers are creating more opportunities for teachers in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight.

The first of these events was due to take place in Aldershot on Wednesday with a second at Havant Leisure Centre on Wednesday, February 3, from 2pm to 7pm.

Through these events, both councils want to encourage teachers from other areas, those currently studying and training and even those who are considering a career in teaching to attend. Those who have taken a career break and are considering a return to the classroom can find out more about proposed training to support returning teachers, planned for the coming year.

Peter Edgar, the county council’s executive member for education, said: “We are committed to creating new school places and are on track with a three-year programme, representing more than £150m of investment, to expand many of our schools and build several new schools.

“Like other parts of the country, our schools have found it challenging to recruit strong fields of candidates to vacant teacher posts. This is despite the attraction of a competitive salary and the opportunity to live and work in an area where there is unspoilt countryside, vibrant cities and a thriving economy.

“I look forward to showing potential teachers what we can offer. The strength and quality of the local authority infrastructure and support, and the collaborative approach demonstrated by Hampshire schools, are not things you see everywhere. New and returning teachers in Hampshire are joining a co-operative and well-supported team.”

Experienced, newly qualified and prospective teachers can find out more about teaching in a Hampshire or Isle of Wight maintained or academy school, with the opportunity to meet staff from primary, special and secondary schools as well as teaching schools and education centres.

Mr Edgar added: “We are very lucky in this part of the country to have more than 80 per cent of pupils attending schools that are good or outstanding. This cannot be achieved without good teachers.”